The coroner’s office today allowed the release of the body to the executor of his will, solicitor Robin Makin, following assurances the killer’s ashes will not be scattered over Saddleworth Moor, where Brady and Myra Hindley buried their victims.

Brady died at Ashworth High Secure Hospital in Maghull, Merseyside, on Monday.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: ‘Responsibility for the body has now transferred to the executor of Ian Brady’s will and Merseyside Police has no further involvement.’

Ian Brady (left) and his blonde mistress, Myra Hindley (Picture: PA)

Keith Bennett’s body has never been found

Brady and Hindley were jailed for life for the killings of John Kilbride, 12, 10-year-old Lesley Ann Downey and Edward Evans, 17.

They went on to admit the murders of Pauline Reade, 16, and 12-year-old Keith Bennett.

Keith’s body has never been found after Brady failed to inform police of its location during his 51 years behind bars.

Martin Bottomley, head of Greater Manchester Police’s cold case review unit, said the case remained open and officers would act on ‘credible and actionable’ information which would help them find the body of Keith.

He said: ‘Whilst we are not actively searching Saddleworth Moor, Greater Manchester Police will never close this case. Brady’s death does not change that.’